Islamabad – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved multiple technical supplementary grants (TSGs) to support digital enforcement, defence, education and information technology initiatives across the country.
According to official details, the ECC endorsed a proposal for the establishment of Digital Enforcement Stations by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) along the Indus, Hub and Balochistan rivers, in line with a decision taken by the Prime Minister on September 19, 2024. Against a proposed supplementary grant of Rs10 billion, the committee approved an allocation of Rs3 billion for the third quarter, with the remaining funds to be released in the fourth quarter.
The meeting was held at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The ECC reviewed several summaries submitted by different ministries and divisions, including requests for TSGs and key policy and administrative matters.
On two separate summaries from the Defence Division, the ECC approved a Rs2 billion technical supplementary grant for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) in Punjab during the current fiscal year. In addition, a Rs5.081 billion grant was sanctioned for defence services, covering capacity enhancement, infrastructure development, community engagement and cyber security. The committee decided the amount would be released in phases and incorporated into the regular defence budget from the next financial year due to its recurring nature.
The ECC also approved a Rs322.87 million grant for the provision of 15 coasters for the Directorate General of Special Education to facilitate transport for special children enrolled at the Autism Centre of Excellence being established in Islamabad. The centre is expected to cater to at least 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing a safe and supportive learning environment.
On a summary from the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, the ECC approved Rs800 million for the establishment of the Asan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad, aimed at improving citizen-centric public service delivery. Another grant of Rs3.7 billion was approved under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to strengthen digital connectivity, enhance IT infrastructure, promote e-governance and support the national ICT ecosystem.
The committee also considered a summary from the Petroleum Division regarding the future of the Asia Petroleum Limited (APL) Pipeline. A committee comprising representatives from relevant ministries, SIFC and Pakistan State Oil was formed to propose a way forward by January 31, including negotiations on implementation and ownership matters.
Towards the end of the meeting, the ECC approved Rs700 million out of a requested Rs1 billion for the Film and Drama Finance Fund under the National Film and Broadcasting Policy, 2018, with directions for transparent utilization and six-monthly performance reporting.
The meeting was attended by several federal ministers, senior officials and representatives from concerned ministries and regulatory bodies.